Inspecting the facility as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region, President Mahama described the ultra-modern laboratory complex as a strategic investment capable of transforming UHAS into one of Africa’s leading centres for health sciences research.
The President said the facility represents a major leap in Ghana’s efforts to build indigenous scientific capacity to respond to emerging diseases and develop home-grown health solutions.
According to him, the laboratory’s advanced pathogen research and vaccine development capabilities will complement the work of the National Vaccine Institute and position Ghana to undertake cutting-edge biomedical research that addresses both national and continental health challenges.
“This facility gives UHAS the opportunity to play a much bigger role in scientific discovery, disease surveillance and vaccine research,” the President noted, adding that stronger research institutions are indispensable to improving healthcare delivery and national health security.
President Mahama said his administration’s vision is to develop UHAS into a globally competitive centre of excellence in health sciences education, research and innovation.
He expressed satisfaction that the university now boasts what is believed to be one of the largest laboratory complexes in the sub-region, saying world-class scientific institutions require world-class research infrastructure.
Reflecting on the project’s history, President Mahama observed that although construction commenced in 2014, delays in execution prolonged its completion and increased the overall cost.
He stressed that governments must prioritise the timely delivery of public infrastructure, particularly research facilities, to maximise public investment and accelerate scientific advancement.
Beyond the laboratory complex, the President acknowledged additional infrastructure needs identified by the university, including student hostels, lecture theatres and a modern library, describing them as essential components of a thriving research university.
He assured the university authorities that government remains committed to expanding investment in tertiary education infrastructure.
According to President Mahama, reforms introduced to the financing arrangements of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will make additional resources available to support priority projects in public universities, including research infrastructure.
The President also disclosed that government is considering upgrading the university’s internal road network to improve accessibility and support the institution’s expanding academic and research activities.
Paying tribute to the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills, under whose administration UHAS was established, President Mahama said the institution continues to fulfil its founding vision of becoming a centre for excellence in health sciences.
He expressed confidence that with sustained investment in laboratories, teaching facilities and research infrastructure, UHAS is well positioned to become a globally recognised hub for scientific innovation, producing research that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system, advance vaccine development and contribute to solving Africa’s most pressing public health challenges.
